Tuesday, September 28, 2010

elysian Fields

In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields were the final resting place of the souls of the heroic and virtuous.

And those that have three times kept to their oaths,
Keeping their souls clean and pure,
Never letting their hearts be defiled by the taint
Of evil and injustice,
And barbaric veniality,
They are led by Zeus to the end:
To the palace of Kronos,
Where soothing breezes off the Ocean
Breathe over the Isle of the Blessed:
All around flowers are blazing with a
Dazzling light:
Some springing from the shining trees,
Others nourished by the water from the sea:
With circlets and garlands of flowers they
Crown their hands,
Ruled by the steadfast councils of Rhadamanthys.

(Pindar, Greek lyric poet, ca. 522-443 B.C.)

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